Brazilian outlet Combate recently reported that Tavares suffered a
thigh injury in training and was forced to withdraw from his main
card matchup with Tom
Niinimaki. Backstrom’s representation at Mano Management then
announced via Facebook that the Swedish talent would fill in for
Tavares, and Niinimaki also confirmed the booking via Twitter.
MMAViking.com first reported the change Thursday morning.

UFC Fight Night Berlin takes place May 31 at the O2 World Berlin
and is headlined by a middleweight showdown pitting Gegard
Mousasi against Mark Munoz.
The event streams live on UFC Fight Pass and will additionally see
Francis
Carmont collide with C.B.
Dollaway in another 185-pound pairing.

Backstrom has been perfect since turning pro in 2009, with a 2011
no contest serving as the only non-victory on his record. The
24-year old last competed on March 22, knocking out Max Coga in
just 15 seconds to collect the fifth stoppage win of his
career.

Niinimaki holds more than three times the pro experience of his new
opponent, and the Finn has not lost since November 2006.
“Stoneface” extended his current winning streak to 12 fights in his
Octagon debut last November, as Niinimaki edged Rani Yahya in
a split decision at “The Ultimate Fighter 18” finale.